Communities Local Plan Publication stage

These policies are designed to safeguard and enhance the well-being of our residents, support community cohesion, and create spaces that empower individuals to lead happier and healthier lives.

They range from the protection and enhancement of open spaces to protecting community facilities and supporting improvements in education and skills. These policies demonstrate our commitment to shaping a future where everyone can live, work, and thrive. A brief summary of them is given under each heading.

• Policy CO1 – The Protection of Existing Open Space, Sport and Recreation Provision:
  • This policy protects open space, sport and recreational facilities, acknowledging their value in promoting physical and mental well-being. By safeguarding these spaces, we aim to preserve places for recreation, nature and the overall quality of life in our community.

• Policy CO2 - New and Enhanced Open Space, Sport and Recreation Provision:
  • Recognising the needs of our growing population, this policy supports the delivery of new and enhanced open space, sport and recreational facilities. Whether through new development or the enhancement of existing parks, green spaces, or sport and recreational facilities, this policy ensures that our communities have access to spaces locally that increase social interaction, physical activity, and a sense of belonging.

• Policy CO3 - Community Facilities:
  • This policy seeks to support and protect cultural, community, education and health facilities. By supporting and protecting spaces for learning, community engagement, and health and wellbeing, we aim to create an environment where residents can lead fulfilling lives and access essential services within their neighbourhoods.

• Policy CO4 - Education and Skills:
  • This policy emphasises the importance of accessible and high-quality education facilities, promoting lifelong learning and skills development to empower individuals and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the area.

• Policy CO5 - Securing Educational Places through New Residential Development:
  • This policy addresses the need to secure educational places as part of new residential development. By coordinating housing growth with the provision of educational facilities, we aim to ensure that our communities have the necessary infrastructure to support the educational needs of all residents.

• Policy CO6 – New Development and Health:
  • This policy supports and protects health facilities. Prioritising the health and well-being of our residents, the policy requires Health Impact Assessments to systematically evaluate the potential health implications of new residential development. By doing this we aim to create environments that promote physical and mental well-being, contributing to healthier and happier communities.

• Policy CO7 - Hot Food Takeaways:
  • This policy aims to promote healthier food environments. By regulating the location and density of hot food takeaways and fast-food outlets, we aim to strike a balance between economic activity and public health considerations, creating communities that foster healthier lifestyle choices.

To read the policies in full, please download the Oldham Local Plan: Publication Plan which is available to view here on the Council’s website.